When you arrive one of the nurses will show you to your bedroom and, if you are feeling well enough, also show you around the ward and introduce you to the ward team and other patients. Your name, date of birth and address will be checked on arrival and we will ask you some questions to help us care for you, including:
- who your named person is or who we can contact about your admission
- how you are feeling
- what medications you are taking. Please bring all your medication into hospital
- who you do and do not want to be given information over the telephone regarding your stay in hospital
- You and your family or friends may ask any questions you may have at any time. A doctor will speak to you about how you are feeling soon after you come onto the ward. We will arrange a basic physical examination and take a blood sample to ensure you are in good physical health.
Ward Routine
What time are meals?
Meals are delivered daily to the ward by the catering services at the BGH. You will be asked to select your menu daily. Lunch arrives shortly after 12 mid day and dinner around 5pm. There are cereals and toast available for breakfast. There is a selection of sandwiches for supper time. Advice can be given with any special dietary requirements. If you would prefer to prepare and cook your own meals we would be happy to support you with this.
If you require adapted equipment or assistance to eat or drink please inform a staff member.
Who can I talk to?
All staff are available for you to talk to day or night. You will also be allocated a named nurse daily who will be available for 1:1 time. The nurse in charge and your allocated nurse will be identified on the patient information board.
Care Planning
During 1:1 time we work in partnership with you to identify specific recovery focused care plans to identify aspects of your care that we can support you with whilst in hospital. This is really important and formalises the basis of your stay in hospital and what treatments will be best suited for you.
The consultant psychiatrist and/or the team doctor will be available to review your care at least once a week. These meetings are called ward assessments or reviews and you will be supported and encouraged to participate in these.
When can I have visitors?
Visiting hours within East Brig are fairly flexible, we would request that visitors avoided mealtimes (11:30-12:30 and 16:30-17:30) as this is protected time for staff to engage and support clients with meal preparation and dietary intake.
The quiet room should be used during visits as visitors are not permitted to be in patient's bedrooms. Visitors should phone the ward to check you will be free to see them before coming in as you may have therapy or prior appointments.
Can I make phone calls?
- You can make and receive phone calls on the patient payphone tel: 01896 66 44 38
- Your family and friends can contact the ward on tel: 01896 66 44 22
- You can also use your mobile phone on the ward. We ask that you do so in non-public areas of the ward and refrain from using the camera.
Will I be safe in hospital?
We have an observation policy in place on the ward. This is to keep you safe at a time when you are feeling unwell. We will work in partnership to decide the level of contact you will need with staff. This will change with treatment and we will involve you, your family or friends as much as possible.
The ward team work hard to care for people and to ensure that every patient feels safe within the ward
environment. If at any time you do not feel safe please discuss this with your named nurse/nurse in charge or the Senior Charge Nurse.
For the privacy of yourself and others we ask that you do not spend time in other patient's rooms. The ward is large enough for you to spend time with other patients in the communal areas.
Additionally:
- ward care and comfort checks are carried out every few hours by staff, day and night
- the front door is locked at night. This is for patient safety, not to restrict your movements
- to ensure safety and security of all patients, staff and visitors to the unit we have several surveillance cameras outside the building
- no drugs or alcohol can be brought onto the ward. If there are suspicions that illegal substances have been brought in, nursing staff and the police can carry out searches and you may be discharged from hospital
- Staff will help you put your belongings away on arrival to the ward. Any sharps and medication should be handed to nursing staff at this time for safe-keeping. We have a ward safe for valuables and a small amount of money.
- We cannot hold large sums of money.
Going Home
When you are admitted we will identify an estimated discharge date, this helps to have an aim and goal to work towards and can be changed depending on your views and your recovery.
- staff may encourage you to go on a series of 'passes' home in the run up to your discharge, for instance, overnight or for a few days with return to the ward to see how you got on
- you will be able to plan going home with staff in small stages to make the transition home easier for you
- additional support on discharge from the community mental health teams and other healthcare and
voluntary services is available and can be arranged with your key worker
- you will be given a 'Leaving Hospital' leaflet to take home with you to remind you of any important
information and follow-up appointments
Other Information
You may need a fit note from your employer or the benefits agency while you are in hospital. Ask a member of staff if this is required. Your stay in hospital may affect your benefits depending on how long you are in hospital, we work closely with our colleagues in social services and will help you to access support if needed.
The ward team are always looking for ways to improve the service we deliver and we would be happy to listen to any suggestions made.
Patient information leaflets
contact us on tel: